THE WORD 4 ev 1

Read Mark 13 (click here for link)

None of us wants to offend a family member because our faith conflicts with their actions. None of us wants to offend our friends or co-workers because our faith conflicts with their lifestyles. And yet, in the back of our minds we hear Christ’s words echoing: “There will be wars and rumors of wars. . . Nation will rise up against nation. . .Brother will betray brother and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents. . .” These things will happen because of our faith, because of the hatred that exists for Christ’s name. And this will not be the end. Christ warns of earthquakes and famines; of political persecution; of false teachers and deceivers. Yet, all these things will be but the “beginning of birth pains,” as Christ says—the beginning of the end.

So what do we do? Do we run and hide from this hatred? Do we hide behind our jobs, our friendships, our nice houses, or our political correctness? Do we hide our faith and confession behind the closed doors of our church and between the dusty covers of our Bible? On account of Christ, do we ever make a stand, or do we try to camouflage ourselves with the things of our culture (money, friends, and new cars) in an attempt to blend in?

Thankfully, the answer is NO! We (in faith) take Christ at his word. We look past all this prophecy promising persecution. We fall on our knees and hear the blessed words of Christ who says: “. . . he who stands firm in the faith will be saved.” It is to this single word — saved — that we cling. For Christ promises more than just persecution. He promises us salvation—won for us by his suffering, his death, his blood and broken body. He is a savior calling us to the comforts of eternal life. He says, “I go to prepare a place for you;” “do not suffer the little children to come unto me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” He says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” And yet he promises us even more. He promises us the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit. He says, “. . . do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” “ Do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”

We are not alone. We have a God who promises even to give us the words we need. It is our faith and the firm and bold confession of that faith that assures us of our salvation, especially when we are tempted to hide from the awkwardness of sharing our faith with others.